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Silent Auction Hello, BYO Families! Here's what you need to know to help make our 41st Anniversary Silent Auction a big success! What happens at this event: The Silent Auction will be held in the Lobby of the Laney College Theater before and during the intermission of the Final Concert on May 22. This event will include great food, wine, fabulous people, and, of course, wonderful music! It will be a unique opportunity to get great deals on art and jewelry, plays and concerts, weekends away, fine dining, and much more. Why we need you: The Silent Auction is BYO's primary way of raising money for scholarships. Many of our talented musicians would not be able to participate without this financial help. Last year 20 of our 88 musicians were financially assisted! We'd like to be able to help even more next year! What we're asking: We are asking each BYO family to obtain an auction item, or items, worth at least $50. These items can be requested from businesses in the community, obtained from your own personal contacts, or created by you. Some suggestions for whom to ask: When considering possible donors, think about where you shop in your community and what’s important to you. What would you bid on if you had the chance? Successful auction items might include:
Some merchants, especially in the service industry, do not have an item or service that they can donate, but may like to be involved in our fundraising efforts. Realtors, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, bankers, and stockbrokers are good examples of these types of businesses. Any business that makes a cash donation of $250 or more is considered a Sponsor and will be recognized in the program and at the event. Some suggestions for how to get a donation All you have to do is ask. If you are excited and enthusiastic, most donors are more than happy to support our cause. Get motivated by thinking of the incredible music that our children play at BYO. Consider bringing your child wearing their BYO sweatshirt with you when you approach someone for a donation. Approach a merchant during the time of day that is least busy for them. Avoid the lunch and dinner rush. Start with a quick phone call (or go in person) and briefly explain that you are from BYO and seeking donations for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Please mention that they may have had a letter sent to them and they may have sent in a donation already, and thank them if they did. Then, offer to give or send them a letter with the details. Follow up immediately with the solicitation letter and donation certificate. If you don’t hear back in a while, phone them. Other Options: If you are unable to obtain a donation, please make a cash contribution toward an item that we can purchase at a discount and offer at the auction. We would also welcome your help with a variety of tasks on our committee, including seeking donations, decorating, arranging gift baskets, and more. Silent Auction Forms: Download, copy, and distribute as needed. |
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